Air Vent Device

ABSTRACT

An air vent device for equalizing pressure in a container. The air vent device having a housing with a lower segment having a pointed end that is used to puncture the container wall to create an opening for installation of the air vent device. One or more compressible elastic latches attached to the lower segment for securing the air vent device in place in the container wall and sealing the opening with a sealing flange on an upper segment of the air vent device. A cap and/or air permeable membrane to prevent environmental contaminants from entering the container through the air channel in the air vent device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to the field of air vents used to relieve the pressure differential between the ambient environment and the interior of a container. More specifically the present invention relates to air vents used to equalize pressure in a fluid filled container to facilitate the dispensing of fluid from the container.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

For the fluid contents of a container to smoothly and effectively dispense from the container there must be a means to equalize pressure between the environment surrounding the container and the interior of the container as the fluid is dispensed. If the pressure is not equalized a negative pressure (i.e. a vacuum) will be created in the container as fluid is dispensed. This will make it difficult for the fluid to exit the container. It could also result in the walls of the container becoming deformed or collapsing.

It is a well known method to equalize pressure by providing an opening in a container wall that is in fluid communication with the environment surrounding the container such that air can enter the container through the opening when fluid is dispensed to equalize pressure between the environment surrounding the container and the interior of the container. Conventional beverage containers sold in retail stores usually do not come with such an opening. Such beverage containers often require the user of the container to create an opening in the wall of the container using a sharp general purpose object such as a knife or scissors. This solution will generally suffice to equalize pressure, but is inconvenient, can pose a safety hazard, results in an unsightly opening, and also permits environmental contaminants (e.g. dust and bacteria) to readily enter the container and contaminate the container contents.

There are air vent devices that can be installed into the wall of a container to facilitate pressure equalization in the container and the effective and smooth dispensing of liquids. However, such air vent devices are designed to be built into the container wall at the time of manufacture, or are designed to be installed into a pre-existing opening in the container wall. Accordingly, these air vent devices are not helpful to a user who has a container that does not have a pre-existing opening to install the air vent device, such as the typical beverage container.

The air vent device of the present invention overcomes these limitations of the prior art. A first object of the present invention is to provide an air vent device that a user can readily and securely install into a container that does not have a pre-existing opening for the air vent in the container wall. A second object of the present invention is to provide an air vent device having an air channel between the surrounding environment and inside of the container for purposes of equalizing pressure between the surrounding environment and interior of the container. A third object of the present invention is to provide an air vent device that protects against environmental contaminants entering the container. These and other objects are all achieved by the air device of the present invention as described, illustrated and claimed herein.

In a preferred exemplary embodiment the air vent device of the present invention achieves its objectives by providing the air vent device with a housing having a lower segment with a pointed end. The pointed end of the lower segment of the air vent device facilitates the puncturing of the container wall by a user and insertion of the air vent device through the container wall. In the preferred exemplary embodiment the air vent device is securely attached to the wall of the container through a compression fit between at least one compressible elastic latch attached to the lower segment of the air vent device within the container and a sealing member and adjacent sealing flange attached to the upper segment outside of the container.

The elastic latches on the lower segment of the air vent device enter the container by being pressed into and/or against the lower segment as it is being inserted through the container wall. Once through the container wall the elastic latches return (i.e. “spring back”) to an uncompressed state of extending out and away from the air vent device housing. The uncompressed elastic latches within the container help to create a secure compression fit between the container wall and the circumferential sealing member and adjacent sealing flange on the upper segment that is located outside of the container on the other side of the container wall. The sealing flange and sealing member cover the opening created in the container wall by the lower segment of the air vent device. This prevents environmental contaminants from entering the container through the opening in the container wall.

An air channel extends through the air vent device between an upper opening in the housing upper segment and a lower opening in the housing lower segment. When the air vent device is installed in the container wall this air channel provides a fluid communication path between the outside of the container and the inside of the container which facilitates the equalizing of pressure.

Environmental contaminants are prevented from entering the container through the air channel in the air vent device by using removable cap that is placed over the upper opening to the air channel when the air channel is not in use. In addition to the removable cap, or in an alternative embodiment without a removable cap, an air permeable membrane can be placed across the air channel which will prevent environmental contaminants from entering the container when a cap is not covering the upper opening on the air channel.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a left front side perspective of an embodiment of the air vent device of the present invention having a cap shown in the open position.

FIG. 2 is a front side cross section of a preferred embodiment of the air vent device of the present invention installed in the wall of a container with the cap in the open position.

FIG. 3 is a front side view of a preferred embodiment of the air vent device of the present invention having a cap shown in the open position.

FIG. 4 is a back side view of a preferred embodiment of the air vent device of the present invention having a cap shown in the open position.

FIG. 5 is a front side view of a preferred embodiment of the air vent device of the present invention having a cap shown in the open position.

FIG. 6 is a back side view of a preferred embodiment of the air vent device of the present invention having a cap shown in the open position.

FIG. 7 is a top side view of a preferred embodiment of the air vent device of the present invention having a cap shown in the open position.

FIG. 8 is a bottom side view of a preferred embodiment of the air vent device of the present invention having a cap shown in the open position.

FIG. 9 is a left front side perspective of an embodiment of the air vent device of the present invention without a cap.

FIG. 10 is a front side cross section of an embodiment of the air vent device of the present invention without a cap and showing an air permeable membrane across the air channel.

FIG. 11 is a front side view of a preferred embodiment of the air vent device of the present invention without a cap.

FIG. 12 is a back side view of a preferred embodiment of the air vent device of the present invention without a cap.

FIG. 13 is a front side view of a preferred embodiment of the air vent device of the present invention without a cap.

FIG. 14 is a back side view of a preferred embodiment of the air vent device of the present invention without a cap.

FIG. 15 is a top side view of a preferred embodiment of the air vent device of the present invention without a cap.

FIG. 16 is a bottom side view of a preferred embodiment of the air vent device of the present invention without a cap.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A detailed description is now provided for the illustrated preferred exemplary embodiment of the air vent device invention. Referring to FIG. 1 in a preferred exemplary embodiment the air vent 10 is comprised of a housing having a substantially cylindrical upper segment 20 with an upper opening 62, and a pointed lower segment 40 with a lower opening 64. Lower segment 40 is divided into a cylindrical latch portion 42 and a substantially conical portion 44 with a pointed end 50. In a preferred embodiment upper segment 20 and a lower segment 40 are formed from a single unitary molded body. The unitary molded body of the housing, and associated parts, of the air vent device may be comprised of an easy to mold thermoplastic resin such as, by way of example and not limitation, polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polysulfone (PS), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polyethylene (PE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP), ABS resin, or composite materials of these thermoplastic resins. The method for forming the air vent device is not limited, and may for example include being formed by injection molding, compression molding or cutting.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2 there is in a preferred embodiment of the present invention an interior air channel 60 that traverses between upper opening 62 in upper segment 20 to lower opening 64 in lower segment 40. As shown, by way of example and not limitation, in a preferred embodiment upper opening 62 is located at the top end of upper segment 20. In such a preferred embodiment there is contemplated to be a cap 30 that is attached to upper segment 20 by cap hinge 32. Referring to FIG. 7, cap 30 has a circumferential outer rim flange 34 surrounding an inner surface 36 of cap 30. Outer rim flange 34 has an inner diameter that is substantially the same as the outer rim diameter of upper segment 20 such that cap 30 may be removably attached by a friction fit to the top end of upper segment 20 to cover upper opening 62.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention lower segment 40 comprises a solid unitary piece containing air channel 60. In a preferred embodiment air channel 60 extends from upper opening 62 located at the top of upper segment 20 through lower segment 40 to lower opening 64 that is located in the substantially conical portion 44 of lower segment 40. Alternative embodiments, not illustrated, are contemplated where lower opening 64 may be located in the substantially cylindrical portion 42 of lower segment 40. Referring to FIG. 2, in the preferred illustrated embodiment, by way of example and not limitation, it is contemplated that air channel 60 would be narrower through lower segment 40 than the diameter of airway passage 60 through upper segment 20. In alternative embodiments, not illustrated, the diameter of air channel 60 may be uniform in diameter through upper segment 20 and through lower segment 40, or may be narrower through upper segment 20 and wider through lower segment 40.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, extending outward from and away from said vent housing at an exterior location between upper housing segment 20 and lower housing segment 40 is a circumferential sealing flange 110. In a preferred embodiment sealing flange 110 is a molded protrusion of upper segment 20. In the contemplated preferred embodiment illustrated, by way of example and not limitation, immediately adjacent to and beneath sealing flange 110 is optional circumferential sealing member 100. Sealing member 100 in a preferred embodiment is at least partially compressible so as to help cover the opening in the container wall created when the air vent device is inserted through the wall, and helps to prevent movement of the air vent device once installed in the container wall. Examples of preferred materials for sealing member 100 include elastomers such as nitrile-butadiene rubber (NBR), ethylene-propylene rubber (EPM or EPDM), silicone rubber, fluoric rubber, acrylic rubber, hydro-nitrile-butadiene rubber (HNBR), foamed materials, or formed materials with adhesive layers. By way of example and not limitation, sealing member 100 may be in the form of a separate outer fitting O-ring that fits by a friction fit, or may be formed by molding or adhesion to lower segment 40.

Located adjacent to and below sealing member 100 is at least one compressible elastic latch 80. Elastic latch 80 is configured to extend outwards from an outer surface of lower segment 40 when in an uncompressed state. When elastic latch 80 is subject to lateral compressive forces directed towards lower segment 40 it is configured to move towards, against, and/or into lower segment 40. Such lateral compressive forces will be experienced when the air vent device is inserted pointed end first through the wall of a container. An opening in the wall of a container is created as the conical pointed end of lower segment 40 is inserted through the wall of the container. As cylindrical portion 42 of lower segment 40 is pressed through the opening into the container the sides of the opening formed in the container wall press against elastic latch 80 compressing elastic latch 80 towards, against, or into lower segment 40. Once cylindrical portion 42 has been pressed far enough through the opening in the container wall such that elastic latch 80 passes through the opening and enters the container the sides of the opening in the container wall will no longer be pressing against elastic latch 80. Removal of the lateral compressive forces exerted by the walls of the opening in the container wall in conjunction with the elastic properties and/or configuration of elastic latch 80 cause it to return at least substantially to its original uncompressed size and/or position relative to lower segment 40. In the preferred illustrated embodiment the shape, material composition, and attachment at just one end for elastic latch 80 provide the desired mobility and elastic forces for elastic latch 80.

The total diameter of lower segment 40 and elastic latch 80 in its uncompressed state is greater than the diameter of the opening created in the container wall. Accordingly, elastic latch 80 in its uncompressed state within the container thus prevents the air vent device from being pulled back out through the opening created in the container wall, unless a force is exerted sufficient to cause elastic latch 80 to break off of lower segment 40 or pass through the container wall in an uncompressed state.

Referring to FIG. 2, in the preferred embodiment illustrated, by way of example and not limitation, compressible elastic latch 80 has a lower latch end 82 that is fixedly attached to an outer surface 46 of cylindrical portion 42 of lower segment 40, a vertical leg segment 84 having an outward surface 85, a horizontal leg segment 86 with an upward facing surface, and an upper latch end 88. In the preferred illustrated embodiment, by way of example and not limitation, upper segment 20, lower segment 40, sealing flange 110, and elastic latch 80 are all formed from a single unitary molded body. Upper latch end 88 in the illustrated preferred embodiment is located adjacent to latch recess 90 that is located in the wall of lower segment 40. Upper latch end 88 is unattached allowing for movement of upper latch end 88 and horizontal leg segment 86 into and out of latch recess 90.

Referring to FIGS. 2, 3, 4 and 8, in the illustrated preferred embodiment of the present invention the distance t′ between the lower surface 102 of sealing member 100 and upward facing surface of horizontal leg 86 of elastic latch 80 should be substantially the same as the wall thickness t of wall 122 of the container that the air vent of the present invention is contemplated to be installed into. This will help ensure a good compression fit between sealing member 100 and elastic latch 80. This helps facilitate a secure and sealed installation of the air vent in wall 122 of the fluid containing dispenser. It is contemplated by way of example and not limitation that in the preferred illustrated embodiment for installation of the air vent into a thin walled 2.5 gallon plastic drinking water container that both t and t′ are approximately 3 millimeters (mm).

As shown in the illustrated preferred embodiment in an uncompressed state where no compressive force is being applied against vertical leg segment 84 of elastic latch 80, horizontal leg segment 86 extends at least substantially out of latch recess 90. During a compressed state, when a compressive force is applied against vertical leg segment 84 by the walls of an opening in the container, upper latch end 88 and at least a portion of horizontal leg segment 86 are moved into latch recess 90. In a preferred embodiment latch recess 90 has a depth sufficient to allow movement of horizontal leg segment 86 into latch recess 90 such that vertical leg segment 84 can lie substantially flush against outer wall 46 of lower housing segment 40. In the preferred illustrated embodiment elastic latch 80 is comprised of a material (e.g. a thermoplastic resin) and configured to give it sufficient elasticity such that when elastic latch 80 is in an uncompressed state elastic forces will keep, or return it to, a size and position such that horizontal leg segment 86 is extending at least substantially out of latch recess 90.

It should be noted that the preferred illustrated embodiment shows only an exemplary preferred contemplated configuration and construction for a compressible elastic latch. Other configurations and constructions, not illustrated, may also be used to perform the elastic latch function. By way of example and not limitation, alternative embodiments of elastic latch may incorporate spring elements to provide the elastic force that returns the latch to its outward position once it passes through the container wall.

A preferred application of the air vent device of the present invention is for use with thin walled (e.g. approximately 3 mm in thickness) plastic drinking water containers. This may include, by way of example and not limitation, the two and one-half (2.5) gallon drinking water containers commonly available in retail stores (e.g. such as is sold by Nestle Waters North America Inc. under brand names such as Arrowhead, Ice Mountain, and Poland Spring). Such 2.5 gallon drinking water containers require an opening to be created in the top wall of the container in order for pressure between the surrounding environment and inside the container to be equalized so that the drinking water may be effectively dispensed from the container. Without such an opening a negative pressure (i.e. vacuum) will be created within the container when fluid is dispensed that will interfere with effective dispensing of fluid from the container, and could also result in the walls of the container becoming deformed or collapsing.

The above referenced 2.5 gallon water containers sold in stores do not come with an included air vent for equalizing pressure between the interior of the container and the surrounding environment. Rather there is typically a location marked on a wall of such water containers with an indication for a user to make an opening in the wall at such a location. This is conventionally done by a user forcing a sharp object such as a knife or scissors through the wall of the water container to create an opening. However, this can be a safety hazard, and will often leave an opening through which contaminants from the surrounding environment may enter. The opening may also be rather unsightly.

The air vent device of the present invention solves these problems. The air vent of the present invention is manually installed into such a drinking water container by a user pressing pointed lower segment 40 into and through the top wall of the container. The pointed end 50 of lower segment 40 facilitates the relatively easy initial creation of an opening in a thin plastic top wall of the container which expands in diameter as conical portion 44 is pressed further through the top wall by the user. Once conical portion 44 has been pressed through the top wall cylindrical portion 42 of lower housing segment 40 is then pressed through the top wall manually. This causes the edges formed by the opening in the top wall to press against vertical leg segment 84 of each compressible elastic latch 80. This causes upper end 88 and horizontal leg segment 86 of elastic latch 80 to move into latch recess 90 as vertical leg segment 84 moves inwards towards lower segment 40. The compression of elastic latch 80 inwards towards the lower segment 40 facilitates the passage of lower segment 40 and elastic latch 80 through the opening in the container wall.

Once elastic latch 80 has passed entirely through the opening in the container wall into the container then the edges of the opening formed are no longer pressing against vertical leg segment 84. The elastic forces of elastic latch 80 then cause elastic latch 80 to return to at least a partially uncompressed position with horizontal leg 86 moving back out of latch recess 90. Once elastic latch 80 has returned at least partially to its uncompressed position the air vent of the present invention has been installed in the top wall of the container. Each elastic latch 80 inside the container prevents movement of the air vent back through the opening in the container wall. Each such elastic latch 80 also helps to seal the opening created from the surrounding environment, and thus prevent environmental contaminants from entering the container by helping to secure sealing member 100 against the outer surface of the container wall that is surrounding the opening in the container wall.

Once the air vent of the present invention is installed in the wall of the container as described herein air may pass into the container through air channel 60 when fluid is dispensed by removing cap 30 from upper opening 62. With cap 30 removed and upper opening 62 uncovered air may pass into, or out of, the fluid container through upper opening 62, air channel 60, and lower opening 64. This will allow pressure to be equalized between the interior of the fluid container and the surrounding environment as fluid is dispensed. When fluid is not being dispensed cap 30 may be used to cover upper opening 62 to prevent environmental contaminants (e.g. dust and bacteria) from entering the fluid container through the air vent.

FIGS. 9-16 show an alternative embodiment of the contemplated air vent device that does not have a cap to cover upper opening 62. It is contemplated that in such an alternative embodiment of the invention, where the air vent device has no cap to cover air channel 60, that an air permeable membrane 130 would be incorporated across air channel 60 of the air vent to help prevent contaminants from the environment entering the fluid container through air channel 60. Air permeable membrane 60 may traverse air channel 60 at an interior location within the air vent housing, such as at a location within upper segment 20 or within lower segment 40. Alternatively air permeable membrane may be located at an end of air channel 60, such as for example across upper opening 62 or across lower opening 64.

The use of an air permeable membrane across air channel 60 is also contemplated for use in the embodiment of the air vent device illustrated in FIGS. 1-8 that has a cap. When used in an embodiment having a cap the air permeable membrane helps to prevent contaminants from the environment entering the fluid container through air channel 60 when cap 30 is not covering opening 24, such as during fluid dispensing, or if a user simply forgets to replace cap 30. The use of an air permeable membrane while preferred to help prevent contaminants from entering a container is not required for the air vent device to achieve its function of equalizing pressure in a container. Accordingly, in certain alternative embodiments the air vent device of the present invention may have an air channel that has neither a cap nor an air permeable membrane.

The material, structure and form of any air permeable membrane used across air channel 60 may be any suitable air permeable membrane material that offers sufficient airflow to facilitate fast enough air pressure equalization so as to ensure unimpeded dispensing of container contents. In a preferred embodiment the air permeable membrane would be a fluoropolymer material such as Polytetrafluoroethylene (“PTFE”).

It should be noted that application of the present invention is not limited to 2.5 gallon plastic drinking water containers, which is but just one example of the invention's application. The present invention may be applied to equalize pressure for any container having a wall in which an opening can be created using the pointed end of the air vent of the present invention. It is contemplated that the air vent of the present invention could be constructed of a wide variety of materials, selection of which would be determined in part by the anticipated strength requirements for creating an opening in the wall of the contemplated container. Thus, by way of example and not limitation, it is contemplated that for containers having thick walls or that are made of strong materials the housing of the air vent may if appropriate be comprised of a high strength material such as stainless steel which will facilitate piercing the wall of the container manually or possibly with the assistance of a tool (e.g. a hammer).

While particular embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that based upon the teachings herein, that changes and modifications may be made without departing from this invention and its broader aspects. Therefore, the appended claims are to encompass within their scope all such changes and modifications as are within the true spirit and scope of the invention. 

1. An air vent device comprising: a housing having an upper segment and a lower segment; said lower segment having a pointed end; an air channel within said housing between an upper opening in said upper segment and a lower opening in said lower segment; an elastic latch attached to said lower segment; and a sealing flange located above said elastic latch attached to said upper segment.
 2. The air vent device of claim 1 further comprising a latch recess located in said lower segment.
 3. The air vent device of claim 2 wherein said compressible elastic latch has a lower end attached to an outer surface of said lower segment and a moveable upper end adjacent to said latch recess.
 4. The air vent device of claim 2 wherein said compressible elastic latch is moveably mounted within said latch recess.
 5. The air vent device of claim 1 further comprising a sealing member located between said sealing flange and said elastic latch.
 6. The air vent device of claim 1 further comprising an air permeable membrane across said air channel.
 7. The air vent device of claim 6 wherein said air permeable membrane is comprised of polytetrafluoroethylene.
 8. The air vent device of claim 1 further comprising a cap attached by a cap hinge to said upper segment.
 9. The air vent device of claim 8 further comprising an air permeable membrane across said air channel.
 10. The air vent device of claim 1 wherein the diameter of said air channel is narrower in said lower segment than the diameter of said air channel in said upper segment. 